Book Review: Until the Dawn, by Elizabeth Camden

I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Camden's writing. I never miss a book she publishes, so I was very excited when Until the Dawn arrived in my mailbox!

This book, like all the others by Elizabeth, is centered around a strong, intelligent heroine and a very masculine hero. There is a great deal of mystery, intrigue, and history.

I'm used to Elizabeth's stories taking place in metro areas, like Washington, D.C., so it was a bit different to have this book set in a remote village, in a palatial mansion called Dierenpark. I loved the setting, and had an easy time picturing it in my mind. The threat in the story is that the hero has arrived to tear down Dierenpark, but the heroine has practically grown up there, and she'll do anything she can to prevent it from being destroyed.

I loved the character of the heroine, Sophie van Riijn. She was sweet, gentle, and unassuming--yet very determined and strong. She flounders a bit for a purpose in life, but loves her work as a volunteer for the National Weather Service and as a cook for the staff at Dierenpark.

I wasn't quite as fond of the hero, Quentin Vandermark. He's a hard, angry man at the beginning, but slowly he's transformed into a man who is worthy of Sophie. It's a long transformation, and there are a few scenes that left me wanting to throttle the man! It only made for a sweeter redemption at the end and a more compelling love story.

Dierenpark takes on a character all its own and Elizabeth did an amazing job bringing the setting to life. It's one of those fictional places I'd love to visit! There is a great deal of mystery swirling about the estate and it's so much fun to find out the truth toward the end. The revelations do not disappoint.

The story begins a bit slow, but by the midway mark it picks up pace and I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed it very much and recommend it to others.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.

Book Review: Beyond All Dreams, by Elizabeth Camden

I have the privilege of reviewing books for Bethany House Publishers. Each month we're sent an email with the books releasing in the upcoming month, and we're allowed to choose one book we'd like to review. In exchange for our honest review, we're given the book for free.

I had no idea this review program existed until a couple years ago (and there are many more like it). It was one of those, "Where have you been my whole life?" kind of moments. I'm an avid reader, and I'm especially fond of Bethany House books. I think my love affair with their books began when I read Love Comes Softly for the first time. It's a dream come true to get a free book, just for my opinion!

This month I chose Beyond All Dreams, by Elizabeth Camden. I'm a huge fan of Elizabeth's writing. Every one of her books is full of mystery, intrigue, romance, historical details, and a compelling plot. This is the third book I've read of hers, and each one has highlighted a hero in a powerful position, and a very intelligent, career-minded heroine. Beyond All Dreams, like the other two I read, Against the Tide, and With Every Breath, are set in Washington, D.C., which is a fun setting.

I had high expectations when I picked up this book, and it didn't disappoint. I love the heroine's job as a research librarian in the Library of Congress. It was a unique setting and I truly felt like I was with Anna inside the map room where she worked. The attention to detail was wonderful. I learned a lot about cartography and the history of the Library of Congress. Anna's character was similar to other female characters I've read, but she had a few quirks I really liked, which set her apart. I cheered her on from the first page to the last.

I also loved that the hero was a congressman--another unique career, and one I learned more about while reading this book. Luke Callahan was a great hero! Very masculine and powerful, but filled with enough flaws that he was likeable. He has a family many people can relate to, which also endeared him to my heart. He and Anna were complete opposites, but their relationship worked because of it.

Overall, it was a great book, one I couldn't put down.

* * * *

 

Anna O’Brien has the perfect job at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across a baffling mystery of a ship that disappeared at sea. When forces conspire to prevent her from learning the truth, she turns to a dashing congressman for help.

Luke Callahan is one of the most powerful men in congress until his career begins collapsing amidst scandal. When he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship, he is stunned to find himself falling in love with the down-to-earth librarian. Despite the attraction, strict rules forbid Anna from any romantic entanglement with a member of congress, and each meeting puts her career in jeopardy.

From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation to the scholarly archives of the nation’s finest library, Anna and Luke will begin unraveling a mystery larger and more dangerous than ever imagined.

* * * *

 

A research librarian and associate professor, Elizabeth Camden has a master’s in history from the University of Virginia and a master’s in library science from Indiana University. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband in central Florida.

 

Your Turn: What was the last book you read (or are reading)?

Book Review: With Every Breath

Today I'm sharing my review for With Every Breath, a novel by Christy Award Winner Elizabeth Camden.

First, I have to say I love this title! As you read the book, you realize it's perfect for the plot. It sums up the book in three simple, elegant words.

Kate Livingston is a young widow who helps her parents maintain their boardinghouse by taking a job with her former rival, Trevor McDonough. She and Trevor competed at almost everything in high school, until Trevor won the ultimate victory in securing a coveted scholarship that would have allowed Kate to go to college. Twelve years later, she's surprised when Trevor offers her a job as his assistant.

Dr. Trevor McDonough is passionate to find a cure for Tuberculosis. The work is grueling and heart-breaking, and he needs an assistant who is not afraid to fight alongside him. He's never forgotten Kate Livingston. But when he invites her to work with him, he knows he's taking a chance with his heart.

When Kate begins to unravel Trevor's intriguing past, will she lose her heart in the process? And when an enemy threatens their work with the Tuberculosis patients, will either of them withstand the assault?

This story was a wonderful, intriguing read. It's one of those stories that both entertains and teaches you at the same time. I had very little knowledge of Tuberculosis before I picked up this story, but now I feel as if I have a better understanding. Stories like this that make me feel in awe of the brave men and women who have come before us to fight for cures to make our lives better.

The bonus is that the romance is sweet and heartfelt. Both Kate and Trevor are well-developed characters with a lot of quirks! They're flawed, but loveable, and they have wounded pasts that make them relatable.

Elizabeth Camden always delivers a bit of suspense, and this story didn't disappoint. Wonderful historical novel.